4-Day Budget Big Five Mara & Nakuru Safari
This 4-day budget camping safari is designed for adventurous travelers who want to experience Kenya’s top wildlife destinations without breaking the bank.
Starting in Nairobi, you’ll journey through the scenic Great Rift Valley to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, where vast savannahs and abundant wildlife promise unforgettable game viewing.
The adventure continues to Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its rhino sanctuary and diverse birdlife.
With shared pop-up roof 4x4 transport and budget camping accommodations, this safari delivers exceptional value while maintaining authentic safari experiences in Kenya’s most iconic parks.
Who This Safari Is Ideal For
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Budget travelers seeking a true African safari experience
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Backpackers and adventure seekers comfortable with camping safaris
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Solo travelers and groups looking for a cost-effective safari
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First-time visitors wanting to see the Big 5 affordably
Why This Safari Is Best
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Combines Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru in one budget itinerary
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Camping option significantly reduces overall safari cost
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Excellent opportunities to see the Big 5 and rhinos
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Shared pop-up roof 4x4 ensures great wildlife viewing
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Scenic journey through the Great Rift Valley
Tour Highlights
Game drives in Masai Mara National Reserve
Rhino tracking in Lake Nakuru National Park
Budget camping under the African sky
Shared pop-up roof 4x4 safari experience
Scenic Great Rift Valley viewpoints
Incredible wildlife and photography opportunities
Tour Map
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour uses tented camps and hotels.
Shared tour
On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 7 people per vehicle.
Cannot be customized
The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
Suitable for single travelers
Single travelers can join this group tour.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Minimum age of 3 years
The minimum age for this tour is 3 years.
Day 1
Nairobi → Masai Mara – Scenic Drive & Game Drive
Depart Nairobi early in the morning and drive through the Great Rift Valley with a stop at a scenic viewpoint. Continue towards Masai Mara, arriving in time to set up camp and enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive across the plains, spotting wildlife such as lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes as the sun sets.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Road transfer Nairobi → Masai Mara (~5–6 hours, ~270 km) in pop-up roof 4x4
Accommodation
Zebra Plains Mara Camp
Day 2
Masai Mara – Full Day Game Drives
Spend the entire day exploring the Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives. The reserve is rich in wildlife, offering excellent chances to see the Big 5 and other animals in their natural habitat.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush or return to camp for meals, depending on your group’s plan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Shared pop-up roof 4x4 game drives
Accommodation
Zebra Plains Mara Camp
Day 3
Masai Mara → Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, traveling through the Rift Valley landscapes. Arrive in time for lunch and set up camp before heading out for an afternoon game drive.
Lake Nakuru is famous for its rhinos, flamingos, and scenic lake views.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Road transfer (~5–6 hours, ~300 km) + pop-up roof 4x4 game drive
Accommodation
Ziwa Bush Lodge
Day 4
Lake Nakuru → Nairobi – Departure
Enjoy an early morning game drive in Lake Nakuru to spot rhinos and other wildlife.
After breakfast, depart for Nairobi.
Arrive in the afternoon, marking the end of your budget camping safari.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transport: Road transfer Lake Nakuru → Nairobi (~3 hours, ~160 km) in pop-up roof 4x4
Accommodation
No Accommodations ( End of the tour )
Important to know
The prices below are per person (based on two adults travelling together) and please note that the prices are approximate for 2026.
Please contact us for accurate costings for the time of year you are considering for your holiday.
There are multiple season changes across the year and numerous room categories that can change the price of any trip.
Prices include all internal flights, transfers, reserve fees, accommodation, and meals as specified in the day-to-day itinerary.
Prices exclude international flights, tipping, visa, and any meals not included.
Rates Per Person
Landcruiser rates per Person
| Month/Season | Single | 2 People | 3 People | 4 People | 5 People | 6 People |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January - June | $1,990 | $1,294 | $1,142 | $1,006 | $973 | $910 |
| July - October | $2,688 | $1,846 | $1,743 | $1,558 | $1,554 | $1,462 |
| November - December 20th | $2,239 | $1,535 | $1,387 | $1,248 | $1,216 | $1,152 |
| 21st December - January 1st | $2,515 | $1,754 | $1,624 | $1,466 | $1,446 | $1,370 |
Tour Van rates per Person
| Month/Season | Single | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January - June | $1,668 | $1,133 | $1,035 | $926 | $909 | $857 |
| July - October | $2,366 | $1,685 | $1,636 | $1,478 | $1,490 | $1,409 |
| November - December 20th | $1,917 | $1,374 | $1,279 | $1,167 | $1,152 | $1,098 |
| 21st December - January 1st | $2,193 | $1,593 | $1,517 | $1,386 | $1,382 | $1,317 |
